1. Computer Troubleshooting Basics

2. Illegal Operations Memory conflicts (bad memory?)
Dirty CD or corrupt files on a floppy
Highly fragmented hard drive
Corrupt files (Windows or another program)
Virus or spyware
New hardware (possible driver issue or setting conflict)

3. Slow Computer Check free space on your hard drive
Run scandisk (possibly corrupt files)
Too many processes (possibly spyware) running in the background
Computer overheating (check fans)
Recently installed hardware, software or updates?

4. Program Not Responding
Bugged software
Conflicts between hardware or software
Lack of system resources (memory, hard disk space, too many active programs)

5. Computer Lock Up? No mouse control? Do you have keyboard control?
You can check by pushing the caps lock or num lock keys on your keyboard and seeing if the corresponding lights respond.
Have keyboard control, push CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the same time to access the task manager.
End the program that is “not responding” in the task manager.
Save anything you are working on and reboot the computer.
No keyboard control? Hold the power button in for a few seconds.

6. Use The Tools Available
Check Disk or Scandisk
Disk Cleanup
Defragment Drive
System Restore (Windows ME & XP)

7. Backup
Keep the files you want to backup in a central location. I suggest My Documents. You can easily backup the My Documents folder using Windows Backup tool.
Be aware that if you want to backup your entire system you’ll need a large capacity storage device.

8. Common Spyware/Adware Symptoms
Computer suddenly slow.
Unknown icons in your windows system tray (the lower right corner)
Modem lights blinking when you aren’t doing anything online.
Pop up windows when you don’t have any programs running.

9. Help!?
Sources for help: Internet, computer enthusiasts, your software/computer vendor tech support, maybe a local computer repair company.
Have as much information as you can ready when you find you need to call for technical support.
Details about your computer.
Description of your problem.